The Dallas Mavericks have added more size to their team by signing former all-star center Jamaal Magloire.
Center of Attention
Jamaal Magloire has been on three teams for the past three years. His minutes and his numbers have been disgustingly low this season.
The former first round draft pick from the University of Kentucky had fallen out of the rotation in New Jersey. Jamaal Magloire played in only 24 games and averaged approximately 10 minutes a game.
It got to the point where the New Jersey Nets actually released him after they were unable to move him during the trade deadline.
Yet, Jamaal Magloire still received quite a bit of attention once he became available.
Contenders like the Boston Celtics and the Phoenix Suns expressed some interest in acquiring the 6′11″, 260 pound big man in hopes of adding more depth to their benches.
In the end, though, Jamaal Magloire chose to sign with the Dallas Mavericks.
Motivating Magloire
As of late, it has been obvious that something hasn’t been right with Jamaal Magloire. His motivation just hasn’t been there.
Since leaving the New Orleans Hornets, Jamaal Magloire had a solid year for the Milwaukee Bucks. He then went over to the Portland Trail Blazers and had a decent year. Things hit rock bottom when he joined the New Jersey Nets.
According to Jason Kidd, effort isn’t the problem. He recently stated that for a guy that doesn’t get to play, Jamaal Magloire works just as hard as anyone else.
Perhaps going to a contender like the Dallas Mavericks will revitalize Jamaal Magloire. Winning fixes a lot of things, and the franchise is hoping that it will fix whatever is wrong with the big man.
In the Rotation
Unlike the situation in New Jersey, Jamaal Magloire will be in the rotation for the Dallas Mavericks.
Dirk Nowitzki has one of the four power rotation spots covered. Erick Dampier will take up half the minutes at the center spot.
That leaves about 36 minutes up for grabs. Jamaal Magloire will battle Brandon Bass, Juwan Howard, and Malik Allen for those minutes.
If he can come anywhere near his playing level when he was an all-star, Jamaal Magloire should be able to secure about 20-25 of those minutes.
If Jamaal Magloire can somehow provide the team with 10 points and 8 rebounds a game, then the Dallas Mavericks can compete with any team in the league.
Closing Thoughts
This is a good low risk, high rewards type of signing.